Clarke's emotional SCG visit to mourn Hughes

He was the rock who absorbed the emotion of Australian cricket's toughest day.

But after standing stoically by the side of Phillip Hughes' family as they farwelled their son and brother, the emotions bubbled over for Michael Clarke during a heartbreaking visit to the SCG pitch on Thursday night.

Paying a solemn visit to the hallowed turf he had shared many memories with Hughes, the Australian captain stood for 45 minutes in the fading light in a mournful moment of solace to remember the 25-year-old.

It was the same spot where Hughes was fatally struck by a bouncer while batting for South Australia against NSW on Tuesday.

The visit came only hours after Clarke fronted the media earlier in the afternoon to read a statement from Hughes' family - father Greg, mother Virginia, sister Megan and brother Jason - after Hughes' death was announced on Thursday afternoon.

The Australian skipper was hailed for his tremendous composure at the media conference.

His address on behalf of the Hughes family stoically masked his own inner turmoil, which later flowed over at the SCG.

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"We're devastated at the loss of our much loved son and brother, Phillip," Clarke read bravely.

"It's been a very difficult few days, we appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.

"Cricket was Phillip's life and we as a family shared that love of the game with him.

"We would like to thank all the nursing and medical staff at St Vincent's Hospital and Cricket NSW medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip. We love you."

Clarke spent a near-constant vigil for almost 48 hours by Hughes' bedside at St Vincent's Hospital after his admission in a critical condition and was joined by teammates and Hughes' devastated family as they quietly said their goodbyes at the SCG.

As a sober footnote, it was revealed on Thursday night that Hughes was set to replace Clarke in the Australian side for the first Test against India at the GABBA, scheduled to begin next Thursday.

Michael Clarke with Phillip Hughes during a Test against South Africa in 2009. (Getty) (Getty)